Helen Dorak
October 25, 1930 - July 11, 2024
Obituary
MADISON – Helen M. Dorak, age 93, was born to eternal life on Thursday, July 11, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Helen was born on October 25, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI to John and Treva Marlowe. She graduated from Saint Mary’s Academy High School and later went on to the University of St. Francis, achieving a BA. Helen graduated from Madison General School of Nursing as an RN in 1974. She worked many years at N&R UW Hospital, followed by head nurse in ophthalmology, cardiology, and orthopedics. After retiring, she volunteered at Meriter Hospital in pastoral care.
On July 11, 1953 she married Dr. Victor T. Wayland, whom she met while working at Marquette Dental School in Milwaukee. They moved to Madison, WI and raised four children. She later married Marvin Dorak on May 20, 2000, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Madison, WI, where she was a founding member. She taught second grade religion at St. Maria Goretti for eleven years.
Helen enjoyed reading, knitting with her granddaughter, traveling with Marvin, and had many friends from traveling and her working career. Helen was a loving mother and grandmother who will be greatly missed.
Helen is survived by children, Maureen (Jeff) Michelman, Kathleen (Mark) Garwick, Michael (Barb) Wayland, and Therese (Rick) Gitzke; grandchildren, April (David), Kate (Jason), Ryan, Isabella, and Thomas; great grandchildren, Eleanor Beatrice, Olivia Charlotte, Rocky, and Clark; and brother, John Henry (Penny) Marlowe. She is further survived by other family and friends. Helen is preceded in death by her parents; Husbands, Victor and Marvin; sister, Mary (Walt) Lukesh.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 19, 2024 at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave, at 11:00AM. A visitation will be held on Friday at the church from 10:00AM until time of Mass. A burial at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery will follow.
The family would like to thank Agrace Hospice and the staff of All Saints Assisted Living for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dane County Humane Society. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
5701 Odana Road
608-274-1000
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Larry Legro
Other • 10 months ago
Moms are special. So sorry to hear of your loss, and thank you to Therese for notifying me (us) and providing many kind words to me. Helen would have approved. Helen an us reconnected in a profound ways from our initially vague connections and hers from Meriter Hospital with the two ladies who both volunteered, and both knew me, over time, became friends. Time passes, passages occur. In the words of another: time flies like an arrow...(but fruit flies like a banana). Humane society is one of the entities we support so we will contribute. Blessings to the families. Larry (Legro) and Carol (Johnson-Hohol) 7-14-24
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Whitney Heflin
Other • 10 months ago
Maureen and family, our deepest sympathies as you navigate through this difficult time. We send our love and prayers for the days ahead. Love, Whitney, Gertrude, Daisy and Riley (in memory) Heflin
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Thomas F Mileski
Other • 10 months ago
I enjoyed seeing Helen and her husband Marvin at our Wisconsin Voyagers motorhome rallies. And enjoyed talking with her occasionally on the phone after Marvin passed away. Thomas Mileski Wisconsin Voyagers